Respecting Others: Building Self-Esteem

This is a poem for teachers, or peers, or bosses, or workers, or ANYONE!

by Charles W. May (Indiana Association of Elementary & Middle School Principals

Newsletter, February, 1987)

As an educator by trade, I seek ways of building up students and fellow workers

wherever I may be. As we are at the beginning of a new school year, we can all do

better with how we respond to others. This poem is something I review often as a

reminder of the best approach to use with others, no matter what their ages.

“I’ve got 2 A’s,” the small boy cried; his voice was filled with glee.

His father very bluntly asked, “Why didn’t you get 3?”

“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” the girl called from the door.

Her mother very calmly said, “But did you sweep the floor?”

I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “and put the mower away.”

His father asked him with a shrug, “Did you clean off the clay?”

The children in the house next door seemed happy and content.

The same things happened over there, but this is how it went:

“I’ve got 2 A’s,” the small boy cried; his voice was filled with glee.

His father proudly said, “That’s great! I’m glad you live with me!”

“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” the girl called from next door.

Her mother smiled and softly said, “Each day I love you more!”

“I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “and put the mower away.”

His father answered with much joy, “You’ve made my happy day!”

Children deserve a little praise for tasks they’re asked to do.

If they’re to lead a happy life, so much depends on you.

Every person is made in God’s image. We see in the Bible, in Jude 1:20, we are

expected to build up our most holy faith. So that means we are to intentionally create habits that develop our spiritual person, and in turn, that means we treat others with respect and in such a way that they feel lifted up rather than put down. There are ways to do corrections without attacking ours or another person’s self-worth.